For one · Solo parenthood

Doing this on your own takes courage. Here's company for the road.

Solo Mum by Choice. SMBC. Single by design. However you describe it, you've made an active decision and you deserve a path mapped out for the version of this journey that's actually yours, not a couple's plan with a few words swapped.

Book a free consult →Read about donor options

You don't owe anyone an explanation for your family.
You only owe your future child clarity.

What this journey looks like

The shape of solo TTC, end to end.

Every solo journey is different, but most go through these phases. Knowing what's coming makes it easier to make decisions in order, instead of all at once.

01

Decision

The active choice itself, plus the people you tell first. This phase is more emotional than logistical.

02

Donor

Known donor or clinic donor? Each has trade-offs. Most solo mums in AU use a clinic donor but not all.

03

Method

Home insemination, IUI, IVF. For most solo journeys, home insemination is the entry point.

04

The trying

Cycle tracking, attempts, the two-week wait. The part you'll repeat.

Decisions you'll need to make

The big questions, ordered roughly by when they come up.

Decision 1

Known donor or fertility clinic

A known donor offers identity and connection from day one. A sperm bank offers structure, screening and established processes. Both can work well. The right choice depends on your circumstances and boundaries.

Decision 2

Home or clinic insemination?

Home insemination and clinic treatment are both valid options. Your choice will depend on your donor arrangement, budget, access to care and personal preferences.

Decision 3

How will you tell your child?

Not now, but planning the language now matters. There's an abundance of evidence that early, age-appropriate honesty makes for the most settled donor-conceived adults.

Decision 4

Your support system

Solo doesn't have to mean alone. Most people benefit from having at least one trusted support person, whether that's a parent, sibling, friend or professional support network. Think about who your people are early.

A recommended path through

Where most solo journeys begin.

First

Decide on your donor

The biggest single decision. Read both options before you commit.

In parallel

Start tracking

Even before donor logistics are sorted, understanding your cycle gives you a valuable head start.

Then

Choose your method

Home insemination is the most common starting point for solo TTC.

Always

Lean on us

A free consult with someone who's seen this play out before. We're here.

Read next

Stories and guides from solo journeys before yours.

Solo Parents

Choosing a donor as a solo mum: the questions to ask

Donor & Legal

The donor agreement conversation most people avoid

Real stories

Here's how my first year of solo motherhood actually went

Donor-conceived

Talking to your child about their donor — when, how